http://achievehealthcolorado.com/ Achieve Health - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:27:46 GMT Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:27:46 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/15798/Understanding-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder--SAD---When-the-Seasons-Affect-Your-Mood blog What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, most often appearing in the fall and winter when daylight hours shorten. While many people experience minor mood dips in darker months, SAD can cause significant sadness, fatigue, and loss of motivation that disrupt daily life. The Science Behind SAD Experts believe SAD is tied to reduced sunlight exposure, which can: Disrupt your circadian rhythm (your body's natural internal clock) Lower serotonin levels—affecting mood and happiness Increase melatonin—causing sleepiness and lethargy The result? A predictable cycle of low mood and low energy during specific times of the year. Recognizing the Symptoms SAD can look like typical depression but with a seasonal pattern. Common signs include: Persistent sadness or low mood Fatigue and low energy even after sleep Increased appetite, especially craving carbs or sugar Weight gain in winter months Sleeping too much or too little Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Withdrawing from friends and social activities Feelings of hopelessness or guilt If these symptoms reappear each winter and lift in spring, SAD could be the cause. Who's Most at Risk? You may be at higher risk for SAD if you: Live in northern regions with limited winter sunlight (like Colorado) Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder Are under 50 years old Identify as female (SAD affects women more frequently than men) Work indoors or have limited daylight exposure Proven Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder The good news: SAD is highly treatable. Achieve Health providers use evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to help patients regain balance and energy. 1. Light Therapy (Phototherapy) A safe, first-line treatment that uses a special light box to simulate sunlight. Just 20–30 minutes daily can help restore healthy serotonin and melatonin levels. 2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Structured talk therapy that targets negative thinking patterns, builds resilience, and improves daily coping skills. 3. Medication For moderate to severe SAD, antidepressants (SSRIs) may help regulate mood and prevent recurrent episodes. 4. Vitamin D Supplementation Low sunlight often means low vitamin D—a contributing factor in depressive symptoms. Supplementation can help restore balance. 5. Lifestyle Support Get outside daily, even on cloudy days Exercise regularly—especially in natural light Maintain a consistent sleep schedule Stay socially connected Focus on balanced nutrition (limit sugar and processed carbs) When to Seek Help If you notice your mood slipping with the season, don't wait for spring to feel better. The earlier you seek care, the faster you can start feeling like yourself again. At Achieve Health, we specialize in compassionate, integrative mental health care—supporting both body and mind through the darker months. Our clinicians offer individualized treatment plans, including light therapy guidance, nutritional support, and counseling designed around your needs. Ready to Take the First Step Toward Brighter Days? If you're struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Colorado, you're not alone—and help is available. Ensure you reach out to your provider at Achieve Health so we can screen and develop a care plan which may include referrals to the appropriate mental health group, counselor, therapist or physician.    Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/15798/Understanding-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder--SAD---When-the-Seasons-Affect-Your-Mood http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/15703/Chemical-Peels--Refresh--Rejuvenate--Reveal-Your-Best-Skin blog As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall isn't just sweater weather—it's prime peel season! A chemical peel can be the perfect way to refresh your skin after the summer months of sun, heat, and outdoor fun. But what exactly does a chemical peel do, and how can it benefit your skin? A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a gentle acid solution to exfoliate the top layers of your skin. By removing dull, damaged skin cells, peels encourage your skin to renew itself, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin underneath. They can be customized to address a variety of concerns, including acne, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, sun damage, and scarring. One of the biggest benefits of chemical peels is that they not only improve your skin's appearance but also its texture. Many patients notice a reduction in pore size, softer skin, and a radiant glow that just can't be achieved with topical products alone. Plus, peels can complement other aesthetic treatments like microneedling or laser therapy, giving you a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan. Fall is a particularly great time for peels because your skin is generally less exposed to strong sunlight, making it easier to heal and maximize results. After a peel, you can enjoy a refreshed complexion just in time for the holidays—or for any "new season, new skin" vibes you're after. Whether you're looking to smooth, brighten, reduce acne, address pigment issues, or improve scarring, a chemical peel can provide noticeable results with minimal downtime. It's a simple step toward healthier, more radiant skin—and a great way to welcome fall in style.   Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/15703/Chemical-Peels--Refresh--Rejuvenate--Reveal-Your-Best-Skin http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/14287/The-Role-of-Skin-in-Health-and-How-to-Slow-Aging blog Our skin is our body's largest organ, essential for protecting against harmful elements, regulating temperature, and providing a sensory barrier. But over time, aging, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposure impact its health and appearance. By understanding why skin ages, we can take steps to keep it healthy and resilient. Why Skin Ages Aging skin is influenced by both internal and external factors: Natural Aging: With age, the body's production of collagen and elastin slows down, leading to thinner skin, fine lines, and sagging. Cell turnover also decreases, giving skin a dull appearance. Environmental Factors: Sun exposure is the primary cause of premature aging, breaking down collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles and sunspots. Pollution and smoking introduce free radicals that damage skin cells, accelerating signs of aging. Lifestyle Choices: Hydration, diet, sleep, and stress affect skin health. Poor hydration and nutrient-poor diets lead to dryness and dullness, while high stress can worsen skin issues like uneven tone. Tips for Youthful Skin While aging is natural, adopting a few simple habits can help slow its visible effects: Daily Sunscreen: UV exposure is a leading cause of premature aging. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects against harmful rays, reducing wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer risk. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water supports skin hydration, helping reduce dryness and fine lines. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provide nutrients essential for skin repair and resilience. Vitamins C, E, and omega-3s help combat oxidative stress and maintain skin elasticity. Consistent Skincare Routine: Daily cleansing, moisturizing, and protection maintain skin health. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinoids enhance hydration, brighten, and support cell renewal. Prioritize Rest and Manage Stress: Quality sleep allows for skin repair, while stress management can reduce hormones that contribute to dullness and breakouts. Professional Treatments for Aging Skin For more intensive care, professional treatments can support healthy, youthful skin: Botox: Botox relaxes facial muscles to reduce expression lines like crow's feet and frown lines, preventing new wrinkles from forming. Dermal Fillers: Fillers restore volume in areas like the cheeks and lips, lifting the skin and softening deeper wrinkles. Microneedling: This procedure stimulates collagen production to improve texture, reduce fine lines, and help minimize scarring. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP, made from a patient's own blood, promotes skin repair and boosts collagen for firmer skin. Chemical Peels: Peels exfoliate the skin's outer layer, revealing fresher skin, brightening tone, and promoting new cell growth. With a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, a consistent skincare routine, and targeted treatments, you can help your skin remain strong, healthy, and youthful.   Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/14287/The-Role-of-Skin-in-Health-and-How-to-Slow-Aging http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/14054/The-impact-of-election-stress--Is-political-anxiety-harming-your-health- blog Key points Politics is increasingly recognized as a significant source of chronic stress, affecting both mental and physical health negatively across a broad swath of the population. Political anxiety is distinctly different from psychological conditions such as general anxiety, with its unique impact on emotional well-being and societal cohesion. Effective coping strategies include regulating exposure to political information and fostering positive social connections to mitigate the adverse effects of political stress. Americans are feeling increasingly stressed about politics amid an assassination attempt, a late-breaking candidate change, debate drama, and legal battles. In a "deeply negative" snapshot of American politics, a February 2024 Pew poll found that 65% of U.S. adults always or often felt exhausted by politics and 55% always or often felt angry (Navigating the challenges of the U.S. political landscape, Pew Charitable Trusts, 2024). But research now shows the distress we feel around politics can harm our physical and mental health—and it's only getting worse. "In general, we know that chronic stress harms psychological well-being and physical well-being. It takes a toll on our bodies," said Brett Ford, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who studies the link between emotions and political engagement. "There's a strong case to be made that for many people, politics is a form of chronic stress." In national surveys, close to half of U.S. adults say politics is a significant source of stress, citing problems such as lost sleep, shortened tempers, and obsessive thoughts (Smith, K. B., PLOS ONE, Vol. 17, No. 1, 2022). On a daily basis, diary studies show that political events can make self-reported emotional reactivity and physical health worse (Neupert, S. D., et al., Current Psychology, Vol. 40, 2021). "There is a considerable and growing amount of evidence that politics is having a negative effect on a broad range of health outcomes," said Kevin B. Smith, PhD, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who studies how politics affects well-being. "This is coming from different scholars using different data, approaches, and measures, and it all triangulates on the same inference: Politics isn't very good for us." Psychologists, political scientists, and other experts are now digging further into the concepts of election stress and political anxiety with the hope of better understanding—and hopefully assuaging—those negative effects. A shared stressor Research has accelerated since the 2016 election, seeking to understand the unique aspects of "political anxiety," including where it might overlap with psychological conditions such as general anxiety, and where it differs. Early studies suggest that the two concepts are distinct. In other words, people who report feeling anxious about politics aren't simply people with high levels of anxiety overall (Weinschenk, A., & Smith, K. B., Politics and the Life Sciences, 2024). "There's something distinctive about the way politics is stressing us out," said Jayme Renfro, PhD, an associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa who has conducted research on election stress. "Political anxiety is a thing that is separate from, or at least a distinct part of, stress and anxiety in general." Politics is a stressor that's complicated and multifaceted, Ford said, partly because it can trigger such a wide variety of emotions, ranging from worry, sadness, and despair to outrage, disgust, anger, frustration, and more. Political events can have both short- and long-term repercussions, and they often involve conflict between groups, which can have real-life social ramifications. The collective nature of politics also sets it apart from most other life stressors, said Shevaun D. Neupert, PhD, a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University who studies how elections impact day-to-day emotions. "This is a widely felt phenomenon, a shared experience that affects all people living in this country in one way or another," she said. In national surveys led by Smith, conducted during the 2018 midterms and 2020 presidential election, around 40% of U.S. adults said politics was a prominent source of stress in their lives (PLOS ONE, Vol. 17, No. 1, 2022; Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, Vol. 34, No. 3, 2024). "When we've probed a little deeper, significant proportions of Americans report that because of politics, they lose sleep, have damaged social relationships, and can't stop paying attention to social media," Smith said. Across three separate surveys, 1 in 20 people also reported being so distressed about politics that they had suicidal thoughts. Studies of partisanship echo those findings. In one study, people who said their state was becoming more politically polarized were also more likely to develop anxiety or depression (Nayak, S. S., et al., Social Science & Medicine, Vol. 284, 2021). When people felt politically dissimilar from the average voter in their state, they also reported experiencing worse physical health (Fraser, T., et al., PNAS Nexus, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2022). Election season is particularly turbulent, with swells of positive and negative emotions as primaries, rallies, and debates unfold. Daily diary studies led by Neupert found that emotional reactivity in various life domains (including work and relationships) increased several days before and after the 2016 and 2018 elections (Current Psychology, Vol. 40, 2021; Zhu, X., et al., Psychological Reports, Vol. 125, No. 5, 2021). "On days when people were experiencing more election-related stress, they also had more negative emotions and reported worse physical health," she said. Part of that stress may be related to the act of voting itself. During the 2012 presidential election, Renfro, Smith, and their colleagues found higher cortisol levels in people voting at the polls compared to those who voted at home or did a control task outside the home that was unrelated to politics (Neiman, J., et al., PLOS ONE, Vol. 10, No. 9, 2015). Limiting chronic exposure While there's plenty of historical precedent for chaos and contention in U.S. politics, some aspects of the last few election cycles are fundamentally different. "The information environment has changed, making it much, much harder to ignore politics today," Smith said. "It's not something we're getting in the morning with the newspaper and in the evening on the TV broadcast—it's now constant, all the time." A 24-hour news cycle full of conflict and vitriol functions as a chronic, low-level stressor that can trigger what Stosny refers to as "election stress disorder." Patients he works with report intrusive thoughts, compassion fatigue, and strained relationships. Ford says to keep in mind that social media platforms are designed to keep us engaged and push our buttons. That means it takes extra effort to limit chronic exposure, but finding a balance is important. Tune in when there's something to be done, she said, like finding out where to vote or how to contribute to a campaign. Another tip: Consider reading rather than watching your news, Renfro said. "Reading gives you a little bit more control over what you're ingesting, so you're not being bombarded with scenes and images that may be intended to manipulate you in some way," she said. On the topic of political anxiety, Smith said what we don't know is still much, much larger than what we do. Priorities include a deeper understanding of how politics affects health across various groups, and how to support individual well-being without harming collective goals, such as political participation. "We can't ask people to sacrifice their well-being, so we need to understand what can work to reduce political anxiety," ideally without reducing engagement, Ford said. "It's a tall order, but an important one." Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/14054/The-impact-of-election-stress--Is-political-anxiety-harming-your-health- http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/13809/BLOOD-TEST-FOR-COLORECTAL-CANCER-SCREENING-APPROVED-BY-THE-FDA blog At Achieve Health we are committed to good health and screening is a part of that process. The Food and Drug Administration approved a blood test intended to detect colorectal cancer on Monday, expanding options for screening for the potentially deadly disease.  The blood test, called Shield, from company Guardant Health, Inc., is approved for screening adults age 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease. The approval follows promising results from a clinical study of the blood test from earlier this year. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March, found the test correctly detected colorectal cancer in 83% of people confirmed to have the disease who were at average risk and not experiencing symptoms.  "The FDA approval of the Shield test is a significant victory for patients and an important milestone in Guardant Health's mission to conquer cancer with data," Guardant Health co-CEO AmirAli Talasaz said in a news release Monday. "Shield can help improve colorectal cancer screening rates so we can detect more cancers at an early stage, when they are treatable." Shield is available by prescription for eligible individuals, and is expected to be covered for eligible Medicare beneficiaries, according to the news release.  The blood test's approval comes at a time when more Americans have been developing colon cancer, and at younger ages. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, said at the time of the clinical study that a blood test is attractive option for screening because "it's relatively easy to do and there's no 'ick factor.'" However, it will not replace colonoscopy, which remains the current gold standard for catching colon cancer early. "The gold standard for colon cancer screening is colonoscopy because it can detect colon cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages and it can find and remove precancerous polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer," LaPook said.  The Shield test detected many cancers at Stage 2 or later, LaPook said after the FDA issued approval. "It wasn't as good with Stage 1 cancers, the earliest ones ... and it's not very good at all for benign polyps." He also noted that the blood test has a 10% false-positive rate, meaning 10% of positive results will turn out not to be cancer after further testing.  Colorectal cancer, once the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths for people younger than 50, has leaped up the list, becoming the leading cause for men and ranking second for women, according to a study published earlier this year. Colon cancer screening guidelines have shifted in recent years to try to catch cancer earlier, lowering the recommended age of first screening from 50 to 45 for adults with average risk.  Overall, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization anticipates 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in 2024.  "You absolutely save lives with colonoscopy," LaPook said. "Don't die of embarrassment. Use your words, talk to your Denver health care provider, and get screened." Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/13809/BLOOD-TEST-FOR-COLORECTAL-CANCER-SCREENING-APPROVED-BY-THE-FDA http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12655/This-Holiday-Season-Is-a-Great-Time-to-Focus-on-Achieving-Good-Health- blog The best ways to prevent most chronic diseases are to eat healthy, be physically active, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use. The holidays can make it hard to stick to these healthy practices or start new ones. But with a little planning, you can approach the busiest time of the year with some strategies to stay on track. Start some new traditions. Holiday gatherings are a wonderful time to revisit traditional and cultural foods. Maybe this is the year you can try some healthy recipes and offer a healthier version of an old favorite—or even something different that becomes a new tradition .   Raising a glass? Pour something other than sugary drinks or alcohol. These tricks can help you come up with healthy alternatives to sugary drinks. If you drink alcohol, learn why drinking less matters for your immediate safety and long-term health. Choose not to drink, or drink in moderation by limiting yourself to one drink a day if you're a woman—two if you're a man—on the days that you drink.   With cooler weather, travel, and disruptions in routine, it can be tough to stay active. Learn how to make time for physical activity when life gets in the way. And make it a group effort! Halftime is the perfect time to pull the crew off the couch and out the door for a walk. Don't forget your well-being. Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. Adults need at least 7 hours every day. If you are struggling to get the rest you need this holiday season, check out these tips for better sleep.   Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways can make other healthy choices easier. For stress relief, take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, or do an activity you enjoy, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Talk with people you trust about how you're feeling, and write down the things you are grateful for. These coping tips can help—over the holidays and all year long.   Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12655/This-Holiday-Season-Is-a-Great-Time-to-Focus-on-Achieving-Good-Health- http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12482/5-Healthy-Eating-Tips-for-the-Holidays blog Savor a serving of the foods you really love.  Here's your recipe for staying on track no matter what's cooking. 'Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and parties and travel disrupt daily routines. What's more, it all goes on for weeks. How do you stick to your diabetes meal plan when everyone around you seems to be splurging? Here are 5 tips that can help: 1. Holiday-Proof Your Plan You may not be able to control what food you're served, and you're going to see other people eating tempting treats. Meet the challenges armed with a plan: Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served. Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along. If you have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal. Don't skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to manage your blood sugar, and you'll be really hungry and more likely to overeat. If you slip up, get right back to healthy eating with your next meal. Holiday Hacks Have pumpkin pie instead of pecan pie. Even with a dollop of whipped cream, you'll cut calories and sugar by at least a third. Break physical activity up into smaller chunks so it's easier to schedule, like walking 10 minutes several times a day. Schedule some "me" time every day—a nap, dog walk, or hot bath to get your energy back for the next celebration. 2. Outsmart the Buffet When you face a spread of delicious holiday food, make healthy choices easier: Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table. Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite. Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you're full. Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do have an alcoholic drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines. Also plan to stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted. 3. Fit in Favorites No food is on the naughty list. Choose the dishes you really love and can't get any other time of year, like Aunt Edna's pumpkin pie. Slow down and savor a small serving, and make sure to count it in your meal plan.   If you plan for it, no food needs to be on the naughty list. 4. Keep Moving You've got a lot on your plate this time of year, and physical activity can get crowded out. But being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Get moving with friends and family, such as taking a walk after a holiday meal. 5. Get Your Zzz's Going out more and staying out later often means cutting back on sleep. Sleep loss can make it harder to manage your blood sugar, and when you're sleep deprived you'll tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night to guard against mindless eating. Most of all, remember what the season is about—celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. When you focus more on the fun, it's easier to focus less on the food.   Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12482/5-Healthy-Eating-Tips-for-the-Holidays http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12221/THE-COVID-HANGOVER blog The Covid pandemic has cast a long and bewildering shadow that continues to confound scientists – long Covid – an all-encompassing term used to describe more than 200 different symptoms suffered by people long after they were first infected by the coronavirus.  The scientific community is unsure why certain conditions persist, who will be affected, and for how long. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given it a name – post-Covid condition – and is focusing more resources on refining the diagnosis.  Hospitals continue to improvise their treatment approaches, while patients and physicians struggle with all the uncertainty. The most in-depth research study to date on long Covid was recently published in The Lancet. It found that one in eight adults (13%) infected with coronavirus suffered post-Covid symptoms, but experts are calling for more research and specialized healthcare facilities for this "urgent health problem." Lorenzo Armenteros, a spokesperson for the Spanish Society of General Practitioners (Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales), also claims that some colleagues "still do not believe that this condition exists." Armenteros said, "It's a public need and a significant epidemiological challenge – it must be treated." The WHO's clinical case definition of post-Covid condition states that it occurs in individuals, "... usually three months from the onset of Covid-19 with symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis." But it's hard to get a fix on the scope of long Covid. The WHO's European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies noted in 2021 that 25% of people with Covid had symptoms up to a month after diagnosis, and 10% still had symptoms 12 weeks later. One study found that only 2.3% had post-Covid conditions, while another found at least one recurring symptom in 73% of those infected. A June 2022 survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in five adults who had Covid suffered from persistent symptoms. One of the most common symptoms are neurocognitive disorders, said Domingo. People report having "... a kind of brain fog... they have trouble concentrating and can't remember things." He has also observed respiratory problems. "We saw a study of a group of patients with air trapping in the lungs, which is when the smallest airways remain inflamed, like asthma." Vicky Béjar says that the most debilitating problem for her is the neurological deterioration and fatigue. "There are days when I just can't get my body going and I can't leave the house."     Deciding on the right treatment for long Covid is difficult without knowing its cause. Specialists recommend mental exercises to overcome neurocognitive problems, physical exercise for motor damage, and training methods to recover the sense of smell. But all the experts agree that long Covid has a high impact on quality of life. It has "many social and personal implications," said Armenteros. "Some patients don't fully recover by the time they run out of sick leave from work, and their employers don't offer any options for a gradual return to the workplace." Other patients are still struggling to recover from long Covid. Armenteros says that it's not clear what type of person is predisposed to long Covid. Some studies indicate that it affects women more than men, but he says "... we need more research to evaluate whether the female gender is a risk factor." One thing experts share is a concern about the uncertainty that surrounds long Covid and its impacts. Ballering warns that it is "an urgent health problem, with a growing number of victims." US Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine agreed in a recent JAMA article, "It is important to focus a new lens on the pandemic and direct much-needed attention to long Covid. Taking care of affected patients presents challenges given the incompleteness of research, the lack of sufficient diagnostics support, and pervasive problems with access to services."   Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12221/THE-COVID-HANGOVER http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12085/JULY-IS-HIV-STIGMA-MONTH blog What is HIV stigma? HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable. Here are a few examples: Believing that only certain groups of people can get HIV Making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent HIV transmission Feeling that people deserve to get HIV because of their choices What is discrimination? While stigma refers to an attitude or belief, discrimination is the behaviors that result from those attitudes or beliefs. HIV discrimination is the act of treating people living with HIV differently than those without HIV. Here are a few examples: A health care professional refusing to provide care or services to a person living with HIV Refusing casual contact with someone living with HIV Socially isolating a member of a community because they are HIV positive Referring to people as HIVers or Positives What are the effects of HIV stigma and discrimination? HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed. "Internalized stigma" or "self-stigma" happens when a person takes in the negative ideas and stereotypes about people living with HIV and start to apply them to themselves. HIV internalized stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair. These feelings can keep people from getting tested and treated for HIV. What causes HIV stigma? HIV stigma is rooted in a fear of HIV. Many of our ideas about HIV come from the HIV images that first appeared in the early 1980s. There are still misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and what it means to live with HIV today. The lack of information and awareness combined with outdated beliefs lead people to fear getting HIV. Additionally, many people think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgements about people who are living with HIV. Talk About HIV Talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV. But be mindful of how you talk about HIV and people living with HIV. The Let's Stop HIV Together stigma language guide can help. Take Action We can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions in our everyday lives. Lead others with your supportive behaviors. Check out the Let's Stop HIV Together stigma scenarios for tips on what you can do when you witness stigma. You can also make a pledge to stop HIV stigma by downloading a pledge card to customize and post on your website, blog, and social media channel.   Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/12085/JULY-IS-HIV-STIGMA-MONTH http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/11949/Happy-Pride--LGBTQ--Healthcare-Services-in-Lakewood--CO blog As of June 1, when the nation celebrated the beginning of Pride Month, more than a third of states have legally banned best-practice medicine for transgender youth. LGBTQ+ people across the country face alarming rates of substance abuse, diabetes, smoking, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression due to barriers to care and other social stressors. We here at Achieve Health are committed to LGTQ+ wellness and wellbeing. Achieve Health is a provider owned healthcare clinic providing Immediate care, Family Medicine, LGBTQ+ Health, Women's Health, Hormone Therapy, Psych Support Services and IV Therapy all under one roof. We believe the approach to Achieve Health is a collaborative provider – patient experience focusing on the highest quality of care in a judgement free environment.  We all know the challenges that people are facing right now. That's why this Pride Month, in addition to expressing joy, support, and solidarity, Achieve Health is here to help you take some time for your health and wellness.  Making healthy decisions is not always easy. Economic, social, and other lifestyle factors can always conspire against us. But at the end of the day, our health is the product of the choices we make as well as the environment in which we live. We all can and should take action to improve our health and well-being. If you don't have a primary care provider you feel comfortable speaking openly, please take the time to find one. For many of us, this is the person in our lives who reminds us to receive our preventive care, cancer screenings, our annual flu shot and more. It's very important to have a positive primary care relationship and to receive an annual physical. If you're not sure where to start or don't have a primary provider, contact Achieve Health, for we are committed to the LGBTQ+ community and your health and wellbeing.  If you're HIV-negative, please stay current with HIV tests and consider talking to your provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis, called PrEP. If you're HIV-positive, please stay active with your antiretroviral (ART) medication. Always remember that if your antibody level is undetectable, your HIV is untransmittable. In many cases, ART is life-sustaining medication. At Achieve Health, we can help you stay on track with your care plan and appropriate medication.  This Pride Month, let's ensure that LGBTQ+ people can access the care they need. It's Achieve Health's crucial part of our ongoing effort to support healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy nation for all.   Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/11949/Happy-Pride--LGBTQ--Healthcare-Services-in-Lakewood--CO http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/11579/EMBRACE-EXERCISE-SNACKS blog It can be hard to carve out time for movement, especially if you're very busy and not used to working out. If you don't already have a routine in place, it might seem impossible to meet the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week. "If you're just starting out, it can be intimidating to hear that you need to exercise for 30 minutes a day," says endocrinologist Shirisha Avadhanula, MD. But as the old saying goes, a little bit goes a long way. In 2023, add what she calls "exercise snacks" to your daily routine. "An 'exercise snack' is 15 minutes of exercise twice a day during the weekdays," Dr. Avadhanula explains. "Say, for example, that you have a desk job and get an hour for lunch. You can take the last 15 minutes of your lunch break to do moderate-intensity exercise, then do the same thing again at the end of the workday." Doing 15 minutes of exercise twice a day for five days a week adds up to ... you guessed it — that recommended 150 total minutes of weekly exercise. But what is "moderate-intensity exercise," anyway? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines it as any physical activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat. That could mean going for a brisk walk, riding your bike, getting in a quick cardio circuit or even pushing a lawn mower. Regular and consistent movement has countless benefits for your health, including lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and more. "Doing little bursts of physical activity throughout the day can make a big impact on your overall health," Dr. Avadhanula says. Happy snacking!   Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 GMT http://achievehealthcolorado.com/blog/11579/EMBRACE-EXERCISE-SNACKS